This article is written by Dr Niketa Sonavane, one of the best dermatologist in Mumbai. Dr Niketa specializes in Tattoo Removal in Mumbai. She offers Laser Tattoo Removal in Mumbai and many other methods to permanently remove unwanted tattoos. Dr Niketa makes sure your tattoo removal treatment is painless and without scars.

Overview

Tattooing is an ancient art of adorning the body with colorful permanent pigments. A design is made in the skin by puncturing it with needles and injecting ink and dyes into the deep layer of the skin.

The need for tattoo removal is also as old as the art of tattooing. In the old days lemon juice, limestone and hot coal were applied to tattoos to make them undiscernible.

What is permanent tattoo removal?

Tattoo removal is a procedure that is done to remove an unwanted tattoo or a part of a tattoo.

Just as tattooing has evolved from hand needling to advanced tattoo guns, tattoo removal has also evolved to lasers and such equipment.

Common methods of tattoo removal are laser surgery, surgical removal and dermabrasion.

Who needs laser tattoo removal?

You had a relationship breakup.
You made a bad tattoo decision when you were younger.
Your future career that does not allow tattoos.
Your tattoo has lost its meaning.
You want to change a part of your tattoo – Partial Tattoo Removal.

What treatments are available for permanent tattoo removal in Mumbai?

Laser

Laser tattoo removal is the most common method of tattoo removal today. We use of lasers to break up the tattoo ink particles into smaller pieces that can be removed by the immune system.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a surgical method of tattoo removal. In this method we use a medical tool called dermabrador to remove the outer layers of the skin. The ink particles are also removed along with the skin cells.

Chemical Peels

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels can also be used to remove tattoos. We apply TCA to the skin and remove the outer layers of the skin as well as the tattoo ink.

Surgical Excision

We can also remove tattoos by simply cutting out the skin that contains the tattoo. This tattoo removal surgery is for small tattoos. This cosmetic surgery is also performed at our state of art surgery center.

How does laser tattoo removal work?

When the laser beam of a certain wavelength is flashed on the tattoo, it is absorbed by the tattoo ink. This immediately shatters the ink in the tattoo. The ink is then naturally cleared by your body circulation.

We use different wavelengths of laser light to treat different colors of ink in your tattoo.

Laser tattoo removal in Indian skin is most commonly done with the Q switched Nd:Yag laser. For best results the Q switched lasers should have both wavelengths i.e. 1064 nm to treat the darker colors and 532 nm to treat the lighter colours.

How is laser tattoo removal done?

The tattoo removal procedure is quick. We begin by applying a numbing cream on the tattoo area so that the session can be painless.

After the area is anesthetized, we begin flashing the laser beam on the tattoo.

The laser flashes feel slightly zappy and take only a few seconds.

What to expect after a laser tattoo removal session?

After each session the treated tattoo looks white and fluffy. Next day a brownish crust will form on the treated area. You will need skin care in the form of antibiotic cream and moisturizer.

The healing is same as when you get hurt or scratched. Within 7-10 days the brown scabs falls off and the tattoo appears lighter.

How many sessions are needed for permanent tattoo removal?

You may need several sessions depending on the ink load and colour of your tattoo. Laser tattoo removal treatment is repeated only once a month. you will definitely need 4-5 sessions. Many people need 6-10 sessions for permanent tattoo removal.

Usually the darker colors such as black and indigo respond the fastest. And light colors such as reds and yellows respond slowly. Green tattoos are slow to improve. Professional tattoos respond faster than amateur tattoos.

Is laser tattoo removal safe?

The laser tattoo removal is a procedure that is to be done by a Cosmetic Dermatologist or a Cosmetic Surgeon only. In my practice I like to individualize the settings for each patient and their skin type.

I prefer the multi pass technique with minimum overlap and zero gap. This allows safe, quick and complete clearance of the tattoo.

What are the side-effects of laser tattoo removal?

Laser tattoo removal is one of the safest methods to remove unwanted tattoo. There are no major side effects or allergic reactions. Pigment changes in the form of light or dark discoloration may occur, but are temporary.

What is the cost of laser tattoo removal in Mumbai?

Laser tattoo removal cost depends on various factors. The cost mainly depends on the size of the tattoo and level of expertise of your dermatologist.

The cost of permanent tattoo removal in Mumbai also varies with the laser machine being used. Tattoo removal attempted with low quality Nd:Yag lasers or with Intense Pulsed Light are cheaper. But require too many sessions and give unsatisfactory results.

The cost of a single tattoo removal session starts at Rs 2750 at Ambrosia Aesthetics, Mumbai, India. Removal of tattoos that are large ranges from Rs 3750 to Rs 5500.